Today we are going to explore the Side Plank Pose and some variations of it. Side plank develops core strength and helps cultivate balance. As with many poses in yoga, you can start with a simple variation and then make it more challenging as you build strength.

Remember that yoga is a practice. While we may not be able to do the most challenging variations on the first try, with practice, we begin to get stronger and find more balance on and off of our yoga mats.

We’ll Start with Side Plank Pose with a Knee on the Mat

• From the top of a pushup, drop your right knee to the floor, and roll the left hip open, placing the sole of the left foot flat on the floor

• Roll your left shoulder directly above your right shoulder and reach your left hand to the sky, firming the belly to create stability

• Lift your left leg off the floor for extra strength building

• Hold for 5 or more breaths then switch sides and hold for 5 or more breaths.

To make it more challenging, try Side Plank Pose with both Legs Straight

• Start from High Plank Pose with your feet together

• Roll to the outside edge of your right foot and reach your left hand upwards, keeping the hips lifted